Sodium ferrocyanide

A chemical compound used in various applications

Sodium ferrocyanide powder

Sodium ferrocyanide, also known as sodium hexacyanoferrate(II), is a chemical compound with the formula Na₄[Fe(CN)₆]. It is a yellow crystalline solid that is soluble in water and is used in various industrial applications.

Chemical Properties

Sodium ferrocyanide is a coordination compound consisting of a ferrous ion surrounded by six cyanide ions, forming a stable complex. The compound is non-toxic and is often used as an anti-caking agent in the food industry, where it is known as E535.

Applications

Sodium ferrocyanide is used in several applications:

• Anti-caking agent: It is commonly added to table salt to prevent clumping.
• Pigment production: It is used in the production of Prussian blue, a deep blue pigment.
• Photography: It is used in the cyanotype process, a photographic printing process that produces a cyan-blue print.
• Metal treatment: It is used in the case hardening of steel.

Safety

While sodium ferrocyanide is considered non-toxic, it can release hydrogen cyanide gas if exposed to strong acids. Therefore, it should be handled with care, especially in industrial settings.

Related Compounds

Sodium ferrocyanide is related to other ferrocyanides, such as potassium ferrocyanide, which have similar structures and properties.

Related pages

• Cyanide
• Prussian blue
• Coordination complex